LSE struck deal to train Libya's future leaders

The London School of Economics struck a deal to train hundreds of “future
leaders” of Libya, according to leaked diplomatic cables.

By Laura Roberts

7:30AM GMT 03 Mar 2011

The disclosure will raise further questions over the university’s relationship with the Gaddafi regime.

The cables, which record a briefing for US diplomats by the Libyan National Economic Development Board (NEDB), state: “The NEDB is co-operating with the UK Government and the London School of Economics (Saif al-Islam al-Gaddafi’s alma mater), among other UK institutions, on an exchange programme to send 400 ‘future leaders’ of Libya for leadership and management training. Eventually, [an official of NEDB] explained, 250 additional Libyan ‘future leaders’ would also be trained in Libya.”

The LSE’s links with the regime have faced scrutiny following a pledge of £1.5million from Colonel Muammar Gaddafi’s son Saif al-Islam, a former student at the LSE and one of its most generous benefactors.

The university has received £300,000 from the dictator’s son which it has since promised to put towards a scholarship fund for North African students.

The LSE also confirmed it was investigating claims that Col Gaddafi’s son plagiarised his PhD thesis.